Organisers of Marlborough's annual Foodbank Street Appeal, taking place on 16 November at 6pm (postponement date 23 November), say the drive is coming at a critical time, with demand for their services at a record high.
The appeal, which will see 24 fire engines take to streets across the region to collect food items from households and 350 volunteers pitching in, is "more important than ever," with a need for non-perishables and milk powder.
Statistics show that 2518 food parcels have been given out so far this year. If the rate continues into December, organisers say 2026 will show the highest numbers recorded in six years.
Bridget Anderson, foodbank chair, says it's "frightening really," with a wider range of people and income types seeking help through social services, who submit food parcel applications on their behalf.
"There just seems to be more layers of complex needs. It's not just low socio-economic groups that we're seeing. We're starting to really work with people that have been independent and have been okay."
She adds that household bills, rent and fuel costs are "paralysing way more families."
Jo Payne, foodbank co-ordinator, says the community "punches above its weight" each year when it comes to generosity and donations, but with growing strain on their services, more are needed to stay afloat.
"Our shelves are barren at the moment."
The team hopes to collect 1000 banana boxes worth of food, which would be the highest ever received.
"That would be amazing," says Jo, explaining they have collected between 650-800 over recent years.
Monetary donations are also accepted, and additional donation boxes are being placed in local supermarkets to support the drive.
